Chennai Metro Corridor 4 Phase II Clears Final Safety Inspection, Operations Likely in March

Chennai Metro Rail Limited has moved a step closer to expanding its network after the successful completion of the final safety inspection for the Corridor 4 Phase II stretch between Vadapalani and Poonamallee Bypass. The inspection marks a significant milestone for one of the city’s most anticipated infrastructure upgrades.

The safety evaluation was conducted by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety, who carried out speed trials and system checks linked to the Operation Control Centre. Officials confirmed that the inspection concluded without major observations, raising expectations that commercial operations could begin as early as March, subject to statutory approvals from the Railway Board.

This elevated stretch is part of the larger Corridor 4 project and features a complex double deck viaduct constructed along one of Chennai’s busiest traffic corridors. The engineering execution required careful coordination due to dense urban development and heavy vehicular movement in the area. Metro authorities described the completion of safety trials as a moment of relief after months of rigorous testing and system integration.

Initially, around ten trains are expected to operate on the stretch. Services between Porur and Poonamallee Bypass are likely to run at intervals of approximately seven minutes, while select services will terminate at Porur. Operational patterns will be fine tuned based on final safety advisories.

Access arrangements are also in place, with passengers able to use the existing Phase I Vadapalani station facilities during the initial rollout. Once operational, the new section is expected to significantly ease congestion, improve travel time reliability, and strengthen connectivity across western Chennai.

The commissioning of this stretch underscores Chennai Metro’s steady progress in expanding sustainable urban mobility and supporting the city’s long term infrastructure vision.